Shades of Perfection

Sharing our Obsession

When Deborah and Alan Weintraub moved into their town home, they loved their beautiful, expansive view of the mountains from the balconies off the main floor and upper level master bedroom. It didn’t take long before they noticed the nice warmth their west-facing windows provided during the winter turned blisteringly hot in the summer, rendering their balconies nearly impossible to use. Most people, when they think of a retractable shading system, think of the bulky, noisy cassettes and limited design options of basic awnings. So the Weintraubs thought their only option for a clean, contemporary look would be a pergola, though that would mean sacrificing the ability to retract their shade. The Denver Shade Company introduced the Markilux 6000, a fully automatic outdoor shading solution. The Weintraubs were smitten. Here was a product that combined design and functionality, matched the esthetic and architecture of their home, and adhered to the guidelines

We wanted to let you know we were recently highlighted in Modern in Denver, Colorado’s design magazine. We’re delighted they recognize the beauty and functionality The Denver Shade Company offers our clients. If you want to see some beautiful pictures and read about some of our products, such as the Markilux 6000, a fully automatic outdoor shading solution, or the Renson Fixscreen, outdoor window screens to block sun and increase energy efficiency, read the article at Modern in Denver. If you want to see these products or any of our other cutting-edge shading solutions, stop by our showroom at 26th and Walnut. We love talking about what we do.

One of our favorite partners has partnered with other Belgian-European design firms specializing in high-end residential projects to create a flagship store on 5th Avenue in the heart of New York City. We’re excited because Renson’s space reflects their exquisite in- and outdoor living solutions — this isn’t a traditional showroom; it works just as well as a space for social and cultural events. Renson has a big presence in Europe, with increasingly widening international horizons, and this newest opening is a great indicator of their growing global reputation. We can’t wait to see what Renson does next.

The Petersons were building a stunning new home in the Fort Collins area. To feature their amazing mountain views, the design called for big, beautiful west-facing windows in their great room. This was an excellent idea but left the issue of direct sunlight to be solved by window treatments. Ms. Peterson’s designer suggested they wire the house for integrated motorized shades to provide effortless light control. Ms. Peterson said, “I had looked at a couple shade shops in the Fort Collins area. They knew a lot about fabrics and products, but didn’t seem to really know about motorization, which we viewed as essential. When I called The Denver Shade Company and named a couple systems I had found, Jared knew exactly what I was talking about, and explained the technology behind them.” When anyone comes in, whether they know exactly what they want or not, we are careful to make

We’ve had some people come timidly into the showroom, unsure if they need to bring an interior designer with them. While most of our work is done with fabulously talented interior designers, we are always open and excited by the prospect of working with individual clients, to help them create and execute their vision. Many homeowners have found us through a referral, a web search or on the design site Houzz. Usually after a short discussion through email or phone, we invite clients into our showroom to see working versions of most of the beautiful products and systems we offer, along with the various customization options (some of which are shown in the photograph above). Recently, we had a client come in to get a better feel for our offerings. Not all products offer the same technology, and not all technologies have the same fabric options. She chose a system based on

I’m pleased to share with you that Houzz, the home design, remodeling and decorating web site, recently awarded The Denver Shade Company a “Best of Houzz.” For the second year in a row, Houzz community members have rated us at the highest level. In regular terms, that means that we get good reviews. Why should you care about that? Because when it comes to selecting a service company, you look for the ones you know you can rely on to provide the best products and services. Our last review said we were one of the best contractors they’d ever worked with. Now, everyone likes to be noticed for good things they’ve done. But for us, it’s more about making sure our clients are completely satisfied with the system and design they’ve chosen. For us, it’s more about being the best service company than being recognized for it. Of course, we

One of the first things I get asked about motorized shades is, “Why would I pick a wired solution over a wireless one, and vice versa?” Before I answer that question, I tell them there’s also a third option: wire-free. But right as their eyes begin to glaze over in bewilderment, I begin to explain. The terms “wired” and “wireless” can be a bit of a misnomer, since they actually refer to the communication method and not the power source. Both are wired to a power source. The wired version is connected directly to a home automation system or keypad. The wireless version allows the shade to communicate via radio frequency with an internet-connected hub. This allows you to use your phone, and iPad, or local wireless keypad to control the shades. Both of these solutions work well in new construction and home remodeling when the wires can be installed

When Sheri Stouffer took a couple interior design classes at Auburn University in pursuit of a degree in marketing, she had no idea that years later she would rely on those classes as she switched career paths. After years in the high-paced competitive world of sales, Sheri needed a lifestyle change and began taking a window treatment sewing class at the local technical school in Tampa, Florida. She began to find solace and inspiration in her work and not long after that, as she tells it, was the birth of her son and business. A few years ago, her family moved to Colorado and Sheri has reestablished her full service window treatment boutique in Denver. What is your area of expertise? Window treatment design is my forte and I have a passion for learning about the latest trends and products. I handle the design, fabric selection and fabrication on all

Sometimes homeowners contact us directly, and sometimes we’re brought in on a project through a partner. A recent project is a prime example of the latter. The Miles family had asked Sheri Stouffer of Finishing Touches to create stunning window treatments to integrate with their existing home automation system. Although Sheri had some experience with basic motorization, she also knew that this level of motorization automation was best left to the experts, and she called in The Denver Shade Company. TDSC worked with Sheri on selecting the right shades and fabrics so that together they provided seamless design while independently they offered function as well as aesthetic. Since we wanted the shades to virtually disappear while not in use, and did not have existing wiring, the client chose the Lutron Triathlon roller, one of the best wirefree systems available. The Miles family already had automated lighting by Insteon, audio and

Karen Hutchinson started working in furniture stores when she was young. Her initial interest in design quickly became a passion she pursued through formal study. She worked for production builders and then custom builders of large homes on the west coast. In 2005 she started her own design business, working with custom homebuilders. She recently moved to Denver after 14 years in California. What brought you to Colorado? My family was looking for a change of pace. We wanted to live in a thriving metro area as opposed to the small beach towns of California. While I still do some work for my clients in California, I am transitioning my focus to Colorado. When clients are looking for a designer, why should they choose you? I have been part of the design industry for over 17 years. When it comes to the sometimes-unpredictable nature of building, I know what needs

About Us

WE DESIGN AND INSTALL AUTOMATED, FASHION-FORWARD WINDOW SHADES. Whether inside or out, when it comes to delivering perfectly installed automated window shades, we're a touch obsessive. But we can't help it - we love this stuff. And our customers have appreciated our passion and design savvy since 2005.